This 'lazy sarma' is the perfect idea for a delicious family lunch
If you love the taste of sarma but don't like the hassle of wrapping cabbage, this lazy sarma is perfect for you. It's a simple baked dish made from rice, fresh cabbage, and minced meat that combines all the flavors of the popular classic, but is much quicker and easier to prepare.
The dish is a great choice for a family lunch during the week or on the weekend, as it is ready in just an hour, and will impress even those who are not the biggest fans of sauerkraut.
Quick 'sarma' from the oven
First, fry the onion and minced meat in oil, then add the tomatoes and paprika powder to the pan. Season to taste and cook for 15 minutes.
Rice is cooked separately and mixed into the meat sauce, while shredded cabbage is quickly stewed in fat to soften it slightly.
First add one third of the rice with meat to the baking dish and arrange half of the cabbage on top. Continue with the second third of the rice and the rest of the cabbage. Finish with the last layer of meat with rice.
First bake the pie, covered, for 30 minutes, then sprinkle grated mozzarella on top and bake uncovered until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
The result is a delicious, filling, and very juicy oven-baked dish that resembles sarma, except that it takes much less time to prepare.
Serving
The baked sandwich is best served warm, when the cheese on top is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Since it is quite a filling dish, it goes well with a bowl of fresh salad - for example, lettuce or tomato salad, which with their freshness nicely balances the rich flavors of the dish. Lovers of creamier additions can also serve it with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and creamy mashed potatoes are also an excellent side dish.
